A new role for bicarbonate secretion in cervico-uterine mucus release

A new role for bicarbonate secretion in cervico-uterine mucus release.

Cervical mucus thinning and release during the female reproductive cycle is thought to rely mainly on fluid secretion. However, we now find that mucus released from the murine reproductive tract critically depends upon concurrent bicarbonate (HCO(3)(-)) secretion. Prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2))- and carbachol-stimulated mucus release was severely inhibited in the absence of serosal HCO(3)(-), HCO(...

A new role for bicarbonate in mucus formation.

The impact of small anions on the physical properties of gel-forming mucin has been almost overlooked relative to that of cations. Recently, based on the coincident abnormalities in HCO(3)(-) secretion and abnormal mucus formed in the hereditary disease cystic fibrosis (CF), HCO(3)(-) was hypothesized to be critical in the formation of normal mucus by virtue of its ability to sequester Ca(2+) f...

Mucus and bicarbonate secretion in the stomach and their possible role in mucosal protection

Mucus and bicarbonate secretion in the stomach and their possible role in mucosal protection.

Mechanisms of gastric mucosal protection: a role for the 'mucus-bicarbonate' barrier.